October is always associated with raising awareness for breast cancer, and, of course, it's famous for Halloween. But did you know that October is also reserved for many other subjects that need awareness, and some subjects that you may not even know have a month to claim as their own.
On the more serious side of the month, we have National Dropout Prevention Month, Celiac Disease Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Month to name only a few. The percentage of high school dropouts is steadily lowering, but there is still much work to be done to ensure children get the education they need. To observe National Dropout Prevention Month, you can educate someone on why they need to finish school, and support them through it or you can just raise awareness by posting statistics of dropping out of school in America and using the hashtag #NationalDropoutPreventionMonth on social media. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune digestive condition that is triggered by eating gluten. Though the Celiac Sprue Association started Celiac Disease Prevention Month in 1987, the awareness of this disease has been on the rise recently. There have even been people who chose to gluten-free though they do not have Celiac Disease because it has become somewhat of a diet fad. Use #CeliacDieaseAwarenessMonth on your social media. National Dysexlia Month was started in 2002 to raise awareness of the learning disability.
Now, for the fun side of October. It's considered to be Adopt A Shelter Dog Month (hint, hint... Mom), National Apple Month and National Cookie Month. I have seen the local shelters around the Monroe area. It's sad. The dogs are outside all day long in rain or shine, hot or cold. They get so excited when a person comes, because they don't get love like a pet does unless someone visits the shelter. Many adult dogs are stuck there for years. I know there are some dogs that have been at the shelter for over seven years here. I know most people want puppies, but the adults need a home, too! If you can't adopt, volunteer or help spread awareness with ASPCA. Who knew apples would have a month dedicated to them? The whole point of National Apple Month is to promote the sales of apples and honor the people involved in farming them. National Cookie Month is my kind of month. Who's with me? I work at a local bakery, Bakery Boutique, and I'm actually in charge of making the cookies. Celebrate with me and buy a cookie, then share on social media with #NationalCookieMonth.
To check out more ways to celebrate in October, visit www.nationaldaycalendar.com.
